On October 30, the Belgrade City Assembly is set to discuss and adopt a budget revision projecting a budget deficit of 10.8 billion dinars and a fiscal deficit of 11.2 billion dinars.
According to the Center for Local Self-Government (CLS), the revised budget confirms increased borrowing, higher spending on public transport and administration, and a decline in investment and capital projects. The Center also warned of the rising debt of public utility companies and non-transparent spending of public funds.
CLS stated that the deficit and public debt repayments will be covered through new borrowing of 12.7 billion dinars and the sale of city assets valued at around 5 billion dinars, mostly financed by domestic private banks.
The largest budget expenditures include payments to public transport operators (46 billion dinars), employee costs (26.2 billion dinars), and preschool education funding (34 billion dinars).
The organization highlighted that the city plans to cover the debts of “Beograd put” worth 500 million dinars, reflecting a broader trend of growing indebtedness among municipal companies.
CLS also criticized the “Smart City Belgrade” project, claiming it represents non-transparent spending and an attempt to expand surveillance over citizens, particularly those participating in protests. The group added that the project’s budget is often used to fund activities without open tenders or publicly disclosed contracts.
